- South Carolina won the SEC Tournament No. 1 seed over Texas via a coin flip.
- The Gamecocks secured their fourth straight regular-season conference title.
- Texas may have an easier path to the final due to LSU’s key injury.
South Carolina and Texas both finished 15-1 in SEC play, splitting their season series. With no tiebreaker available, a coin flip conducted by SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey determined the No. 1 seed. South Carolina won the flip, securing an early Friday game, giving them extra rest before the semifinals.
Despite losing the top seed, Texas still has a strong path to the final. LSU, a potential semifinal opponent, will be without Flau’jae Johnson, their top scorer.
South Carolina Wins No. 1 SEC Seed in Dramatic Fashion
South Carolina’s journey to the top seed was decided not on the court but by chance. After finishing with identical 15-1 SEC records and splitting their head-to-head matchups, the Gamecocks and Longhorns left their fate to a coin toss. The SEC conducted the flip live, and a loud cheer erupted from South Carolina’s locker room when they won.
The win gives South Carolina an advantageous schedule in the SEC Tournament, with more rest time before a potential semifinal matchup. However, Texas could benefit from an easier path, as LSU, a possible opponent, will be without star player Flau’jae Johnson due to injury.
Dawn Staley admitted she was initially uneasy about the decision being left to chance but later found comfort knowing the SEC uses coin flips across multiple sports. Texas head coach Vic Schaefer, meanwhile, questioned why the coin toss required two hours of preparation, raising some eyebrows.
South Carolina secured its spot atop the standings with a strong win against No. 15 Kentucky. Players like Milaysia Fulwiley and Te-Hina Paopao stepped up in key moments, ensuring the Gamecocks finished their regular season on a high note heading into the tournament.
With both teams entering the tournament as favorites, South Carolina and Texas could be on a collision course for a thrilling championship matchup. The road may be different, but both teams are prepared for the challenge.
“When you’re part of the equation, it doesn’t feel good to have your fate in a coin toss.” — Dawn Staley
